We had been watching Casey Anne's tumors grow for awhile. The geriatric specialist told us that he wanted her to lose some weight before attempting surgery. This 11-year-old miniature schnauzer, a rescue/foster, loves her food so that was going to be a challenge! But we tried. We kept her on a restricted diet and tried to increase her activity... and the scale didn't budge.

In March of 2004, I took Casey Anne in along with my three schnauzers for their annual checkups. The vet was very concerned, as was I, with Casey's labored breathing. One tumor, the larger one, was putting pressure on Casey's lungs! He also said her teeth were terrible and gums were infected, which were contributing to her persistent ear infections. Something had to happen, and now!

We scheduled surgery for the following week. I immediately put the word out to my "dog friend network" of Casey's upcoming surgery, and a few donations started coming in. With only a few days to raise the money needed for the surgery, I was getting concerned. I had no way to pay for it myself.

By the morning of the surgery due to the incredible generosity of people who cared, I was able to give the vet some cash donations with a promise of more to come. I was afraid that I would be paying off a big vet bill forever, but I decided it was time to have faith and just step out on a limb. Casey needed this surgery desperately. There would be no backing out or delays.

At 2 pm, I checked my email. In a few seconds I had tears streaming - one of my "dog people" had forwarded my email appeal to someone in Pennsylvania who just happened to have, she said, some extra money for "extravagances" that week and she decided Casey Anne would be her splurge. The donation, along with others received, put us to "paid in full" status for the surgery and vet care!!

This experience really taught me a lesson of faith. I will be forever amazed by the generosity of people who have never met me or my rescue dog, which will enable her to live out her remaining years in much more comfort and health!

Her breathing is greatly improved by having the pressure of the tumors gone, and her hypothyroidism was discovered and is now being treated - she is like a different dog!

I can never begin to repay the kindness shown to this wonderful old dog.

If you want to see Casey's pictures and read the entire story of her surgery, you can visit her website, http://hometown.aol.com/sheilaschnauzies/Schnauzies.html.

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